Two killed in collision on rain-slicked US-6 Saturday

The red Ford Escort, center, had its roof removed by rescuers, the semitrailer lies off the highway on the right, while traffic comes to a halt.

By KEVIN SCANNELLSun Advocate reporter

A fatal car accident on US-6 left two people dead on Saturday afternoon.

The collision involving a car and a semitrailer occurred near Cat Canyon just east of Wellington shortly before 5 p.m.

Two people in a red Ford Escort, 46-year-old Johnna George and 55-year-old David George, were killed. Both were from the Salt Lake area. Neither the driver or passenger appeared to be wearing seat belts, UHP reported.

The Ford Escort was traveling westbound when it crossed over into the eastbound lane and hit the semitrailer, which was traveling eastbound, twice. The Escort first hit the trailer on the driver side and then bounced out and hit the second trailer on the driver side when it came to rest, UHP reported.

A silver PT Cruiser was also traveling westbound when it lost control and spun off the road to the right side. The vehicle did not make contact with any of the others involved, according to UHP.

The driver of the semitrailer and the PT Cruiser reported no injuries, according to UHP.

Weather is believed to be a factor in this crash as the roads were wet with heavy rain. Traffic quickly backed up in both directions as the highway was shut down for 45 minutes. A single lane was later opened to allow alternating traffic for approximately four hours, UHP said.